Senior Geological Designer

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Senior Geologic Designer to join our Geotechnical, Dams, and Hydraulics team in Roseville, CA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Roseville office.

Our specialists have in‑depth knowledge to excel on challenging geotechnical assignments. We provide innovative solutions for foundations, underground construction, earth structures – including dams and levees, groundwater resources, and marginal building sites. Our geotechnical engineers and geologists specialize in landslides, sinkholes, mine subsidence, seepage, expansive soils, and seismic activity. We have completed more than 1,000 subsurface and geophysical projects across the U.S., ranging from small‑scale projects to large, complex dams, highways, bridges, and underground structures.

The Roseville office primarily supports hydroelectric clients and their related projects. As a Senior Geologic Designer, you will support geologic investigations to characterize and evaluate geologic/geotechnical conditions and identify factors that could impact the design, construction, or long‑term performance of engineered structures. Your work will include geologic field reconnaissance mapping, logging and sampling of geotechnical borings, developing geologic models through interpretation of available surface/ subsurface data, and preparing technical reports.

You will assist with a wide variety of projects, including rockfall evaluation and mitigation, storm damage assessment and repair, post‑fire assessment and debris flow mitigation, fault hazard evaluation, seismic source characterization, geotechnical and structural instrumentation, and water conveyance inspections (canals, tunnels, penstocks).

• Compile and synthesize geologic data from a variety of sources, including maps, aerial photographs, construction records, and other background documents.
• Perform geologic field reconnaissance and mapping for the identification of geologic hazards and site characterization.
• Prepare field exploration work plans and job hazard assessments.
• Participate in subsurface exploration programs, including logging of soil borings, rock coring, fault trenching, and test pits.
• Apply standard practices and techniques, interpret and correlate geologic and laboratory data, and prepare geologic cross‑sections and maps.
• Prepare technical reports or sections of reports.
• Perform construction observation activities, including site grading, earthwork, foundation preparation, instrumentation installation, rock slope scaling, and rockfall mitigation measures.
• Adhere to project quality assurance, quality control, health and safety protocols.
• Coordinate with clients and attend project meetings.
• Support multiple small projects or tasks within larger projects, managing project resources, scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables in accordance with the quality management system.

• BA/BS degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline.
• 1 to 3 years of direct professional work experience in geology, engineering geology, or a related discipline.
• Experience in conducting field investigation activities independently or as part of a larger technical team.
• Ability to perform supervised geologic research and prepare tables, figures, and reports with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of geology, engineering geology, or hydrogeology concepts and processes that can be applied to civil and geotechnical engineering projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

• MS degree or higher in Geology, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline.
• Current Geologist in Training Certification.
• Experience primarily related to water conveyance, storage, hydropower, and infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation and interpretation of results.
• Experience with field mapping, rock stability assessment (natural and cut slopes, tunnels), computer‑based stereonet and rockfall simulations for design support.
• Proficiency with professional…